Life Update - Weddings, Houses, and Snow Days!

Wow! It has been a hot minute since I made a post. Honestly, I don't think anyone knows about this blog or even looks at it anyways.. However it is a great outlet for me to write about things (even if it is only once every couple of years).

Where to even begin?! My last blog was in November of 2014 when I was in my last year of university. Since then I have graduated, started my career in the financial services industry, bought a house, gotten engaged, and have grown as a person substantially.

I graduated in May 2015 from UVIC and honestly haven't looked back. I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to pursue higher education however I do not miss the inherent stress that comes with university. Right after I graduated I accepted a job as a Financial Services Representative at TD. I also gained my Mutual Fund Licensing through TD Investment Services Inc. I left that job in October of 2016 and now I am a Financial Advisor at Island Savings, a division of First West Credit Union. So far, I absolutely love my job at Island Savings - my stress levels are way lower, the people are fantastic, the organization does a lot in the community, and overall I feel a lot more appreciated as a employee.

Looking back I'd have to say 2016 was one of the most exciting years to date. In January, Kenny and I got engaged (and now we are getting married in just over 3 months - eek!), in May we purchased our first home together (which we are in love with!) and then I switched jobs.

Another interesting thing that began in 2016 is that I have become a lot more interested in a vegan/plant-based lifestyle. I am not currently vegan and don't know if I ever will be but I certainly am interested in the idea of it and don't think it is as difficult as everyone thinks it can be (yes it does sound difficult and is certainly a big adjustment, I just don't know if it is that difficult). More and more I find myself opting for veggie options instead of ordering meat (especially if I am eating out) and I have to say I have noticed a difference in how I feel and how my body looks. I was never overweight at all (thanks to my fast metabolism, or so I think) however I do think eating more plant-based has caused me to slim down.

I definitely focus a lot more on health and wellness these days - not only on the outside but on the inside as well. I have done a few drop-in mediation classes and thoroughly enjoy it (although I haven't been in a few months - tsk tsk). I also have begun reading personal development books. I am currently reading Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and honestly I think that is what has sparked me to take a look at this blog again.

Anyways, like I always say, I would like to start keeping this blog more up to date but I am not going to hold myself to any firm commitments otherwise that would seem like a chore and I would lose some of the fun of writing.

If there is anyone out there who stumbles upon this or actually reads my posts please post a comment or feel free to ask me a question!

I am going to continue enjoying this crazy snow day (this is the snowiest winter we have had in approximately the last 10 years) by relaxing, reading, cleaning, and maybe finishing up with a big mug of hot chocolate.

Have a magical day.

slkm, xx

New Blog

So recently I have decided to create a new blog. This blog (sunshine & country music) is mostly about my day to day life and sort of acts as an informal diary for me. The new blog I have created (Sandra Lyn) is more of a lifestyle blog and will focus on makeup, fashion, finances, university, and anything else I find interesting and relevant.

I will be posting on both blogs as much as I can (and remember to do..) but I encourage you to take a look at the new blog and let me know what you think! The link to the blog is:

http://sandra-lyn.blogspot.ca/ 

Now I know that pretty much nobody looks at this website but it is my goal to raise awareness about both of these blogs and inspire others similarly to how I've been inspired. So anyways, if you see either of these two blogs please leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

slkm, xx

Update!

So I think it's about time for another update..

As of right now I am currently finishing classes for the fall semester and getting ready to write exams. This is my last year of my undergraduate degree and I have to say I am pretty excited! On Thursday I plan on handing in my application for graduation. I have to say I have learned quite a bit over these 4 years at UVIC - the most important thing I've learned is how to manage time and to not stress the small stuff.

I am still living on my own with my boyfriend in Lake Cowichan and we are hoping to move to Duncan in March as he just got a job at Western Forest Products in Chemainus. I am still working at the bank and really enjoy myself there (all though we do all have our bad days..).

In terms of family, somethings will never change unfortunately but that's just a part of life. I enjoy spending time with my mom and sister and honestly they are probably my best friends. 

Christmas is coming up as well as mom's birthday so I have lots of shopping to do in the next month! Courtney and I are planning to take mom to the Empress to go to their outdoor skating rink as well as to the Christmas tree festival that they put on. To be honest I think that this Christmas will be a lot more different then most, but we will have to wait and see.

Overall, life is treating me good and I am looking forward to getting some time off from school after exams!

slkm, xx

Endless Summer

Summer bucket list as of now.. getting there!

Chemainus

Port McNeil

Port Renfrew

Hornby Island

Sidney Spit

Sidney Market

Tzouhalem 

Vancouver

Sunfest

Western Speedway 

Bamfield 

Shawnigan Quarry 

Cobblestone 

Parksville 

Qualicum

Thunder in the Valley 

If only summer could last forever. 

slkm, xoxo 

Adventures

Now that the weather seems to be clearing up I have made a list of places I want to visit this summer:

• Chemainus (went yesterday)
• Port McNeil (going on Saturday)
• Port Renfrew
• Hornby Island
• Sidney Spit
• Sidney Market
• Tzouhalem 
• Vancouver (went a few weeks ago but want to go again)
• Sunfest (coming in August)
• Western Speedway 
• Bamfield 
• Shawnigan Quarry 
• Cobblestone 
• Parksville 
• Qualicum
• Thunder in the Valley 

Hopefully I get the chance to hit most of these this summer as these are some of my favorites on/around the island! 

Overall we're off to a good start. 

slkm, xx

Monday Inspiration

Just a couple photos to get you inspired on this rainy Monday! I can't wait to explore tons of beautiful places this summer.

slkm, xx

Update!

So.. as usual I always forget about this blog and forget to post. So I thought I'd do a little update on life right now!

Currently I am just finishing my 3rd year of university, I only have one more exam until summer! This summer I will be writing my MCAT exam in order to apply to medical school as well as working. I currently work at TD Canada Trust and LOVE it. My managers are amazing and everyone I work with is fabulous!

I don't have too many plans for the summer, in just over a week I'm going to Vancouver to visit a friend of mine before she leaves for Australia. I'm also going to Sunfest for August long weekend and I hope to do lots of local traveling over the summer. My number one places I want to visit are Port Renfrew, the Sidney Market, the Sidney Spit, Hornby Island, and Parksville. I plan to spend the majority of my free time outside. I also want to do a bit of gardening this summer.

That reminds me, I also moved out a few months ago. Kenny and I now rent a ground-level suite overlooking the lake and I loooove it. 

All in all, things are good and I'm looking forward to what the summer brings. 

slkm, xx